Aspen Strategy Group (ASG) · Washington, D.C.
Applications are open for the Aspen Strategy Group (ASG) Rising Leaders Program 2027, a yearlong leadership development initiative for emerging professionals interested in national security and foreign policy. The programme brings together experienced practitioners and promising professionals to discuss international challenges, develop leadership skills, and contribute to policy debates.
Organised under the Aspen Strategy Group, the programme offers opportunities to engage with influential policymakers, attend major security forums, participate in seminars, and collaborate with peers on policy papers. It is designed for professionals who want to deepen their understanding of international affairs and strengthen their ability to contribute to policy discussions.
Applicants should have approximately five to ten years of professional experience and must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
The Aspen Strategy Group is a nonpartisan policy programme that brings together experienced leaders, scholars, and practitioners to examine major challenges in U.S. national security and foreign policy.
The Rising Leaders Program was launched to develop the next generation of professionals working in these fields. It creates opportunities for participants to learn from established experts, exchange perspectives with colleagues, and explore complex policy questions in a collaborative setting.
The programme runs for approximately one year. Participants take part in discussions, leadership development activities, seminars, and policy related events. They also work with fellow participants to develop policy papers for publication.
The programme is particularly relevant to professionals whose work involves diplomacy, international development, cybersecurity, human rights, homeland security, defence, or other areas connected to national security and international relations.
Participants can expect the following professional development opportunities:
• Leadership development: Strengthen leadership, communication, and analytical skills.
• Expert engagement: Participate in discussions with experienced foreign policy and national security professionals.
• Policy forums: Attend selected Aspen Security Forum events and engage with important international policy debates.
• Professional networking: Build relationships with peers and established practitioners.
• Policy writing: Collaborate with other participants to produce policy papers for publication.
• Seminar participation: Take part in the Gildenhorn Rising Leaders Aspen Seminar.
• Career development: Gain broader exposure to national security and foreign policy issues.
• Long term connections: Join a professional network of people working in foreign policy and national security.
The official programme information does not specify a salary, stipend, or guaranteed financial award. Applicants should review the programme's arrangements for travel, accommodation, and participation costs before committing to attend required events.
The Rising Leaders Program combines several activities intended to strengthen participants' knowledge and professional networks.
Policy discussions: Participants engage with experts and decision makers on important national security and foreign policy challenges. These conversations provide opportunities to consider different perspectives and examine the implications of policy choices.
Aspen Security Forums: Participants are expected to attend programme events in Washington, DC, and Napa, California. These gatherings offer exposure to discussions involving policymakers, researchers, journalists, and other international affairs professionals.
Leadership seminars: The Gildenhorn Rising Leaders Aspen Seminar provides a structured environment for participants to explore leadership, strategic thinking, and international affairs.
Collaborative policy writing: Participants work with their peers to coauthor policy papers intended for publication. This activity helps develop research, analysis, writing, and teamwork skills.
Professional networking: Throughout the year, participants interact with colleagues and established experts, building connections that may support future professional collaboration.
Applicants must meet the programme's eligibility conditions.
• Professional experience: Candidates should have approximately five to ten years of experience in their field.
• Citizenship or residency: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents holding a green card.
• Relevant professional interests: Candidates should demonstrate interest and involvement in U.S. national security, foreign policy, diplomacy, international development, human rights, homeland security, cybersecurity, or related fields.
• Availability: Applicants must be able to attend required meetings, programme activities, and events throughout the year.
• Commitment: Selected participants are expected to participate actively in the programme and fulfil its requirements.
The programme is not open to all international applicants. Professionals who do not hold U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status do not meet the stated eligibility requirements, even if they have relevant experience in international affairs.
Applicants must submit the required materials through the official application process.
1. Statement of interest
Prepare a brief statement explaining why you want to join the programme, your professional interests, and how participation would contribute to your development.
2. Short essay
Complete the required essay in accordance with the application instructions. Use it to demonstrate your ability to think critically about relevant policy issues and communicate ideas clearly.
3. Resume or curriculum vitae
Provide an updated resume or CV outlining your professional experience, education, relevant projects, and achievements.
4. Recommendation letter
Arrange for a professional or academic reference to submit a recommendation letter discussing your qualifications and suitability for the programme. The letter must be received by the application deadline.
Applicants should ensure that all documents are accurate, complete, and submitted according to the official instructions.
The official programme page lists the following expected activities for selected participants:
• Application deadline: December 6, 2026.
• Selection notifications: Expected in mid February 2027.
• Programme kick off: March 17 to 19, 2027, in Washington, DC.
• Aspen Security Forum: July 18 to 20, 2027, in Napa, California.
• Additional programme activities: December 2027 in Washington, DC.
Washington, D.C.
Aspen Strategy Group (ASG)
End of Content.
Do you have a scholarship, job opening, grant, fellowship, or event you’d like to share with a wider audience? Opportunity Desk gives you the platform to reach thousands of students and young professionals who are actively seeking opportunities like yours.
At Opportunity Desk, we go beyond simply sharing opportunities, we make them accessible, relevant, and tailored to your growth journey.
© 2023 Created with Kredibble Creatives & IT Agency
Be the first to comment on this opportunity.